PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME:

The UK NEQAS CPT Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) scheme is aimed at laboratories / organisations performing a TEM service, as part of routine Cellular Pathology or as a stand-alone unit. Tissues that are commonly examined by transmission electron microscopy include renal biopsies, muscle biopsies, nerve biopsies, respiratory cilia, skin and epithelia samples. The results of the ultrastructural examination are usually considered alongside other histological techniques before a diagnosis is made but there are occasions where the ultrastructural examination gives a diagnosis directly. Images are taken from tissue sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The images should highlight specific features within the tissue that inform the diagnostic process and together give a full and clear representation of the ultrastructure contained within the tissue. The images should be in focus and of a suitable contrast to clearly demonstrate the ultrastructural features contained within the image. The magnification of each image should be appropriate to its purpose; the purpose being an overview of the tissue as a whole or demonstration of one specific diagnostic feature.

PROGRAMME OF ANALYSIS:

Unlike other UK NEQAS CPT schemes TEM will utilise digital image submission to our website for assessment. However like other schemes, the TEM scheme works on a retrospective basis. Participants are asked to submit 4 archival digital images, from 2 distinct TEM analysed biopsies. Where a participant is unable to submit digital images, micrographs will be accepted.

Details of the performance criteria for this programme can be obtained from UK NEQAS Cellular Pathology Technique (CPT) directly.

Email: cpt@ukneqas.org.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 816 1030